Dicamba in Arkansas - Research and FAQs

Weed scientists for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture gave
presentations on their research at a field day, Aug. 8, 2017, at the Northeast Research
and Extension Center in Keiser. Full-length versions of their presentations are available
below. A summary of the field day may be found here: http://bit.ly/2hPeXr5

-- Mark Cochran, VP for the U of A System Division of Agriculture.

TIMELINE: What is the situation with dicamba use in Arkansas?

June 23, 2017, the Arkansas State Plant Board approved an emergency rule to ban use and sale of
dicamba in Arkansas, except for pasture and rangeland.

June 30, the Governor agreed to have the rule promulgated, sending it to the executive subcommittee
of the Arkansas Legislative Council.

July 5, Executive subcommittee meets. The subcommittee went into recess until July 7 following
a meeting that same day of the joint Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development
committee.

July 7, the Joint Ag Committee recommended approving the proposed ban. That afternoon, the
executive subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council voted to take no action.
The proposed ban went into effect July 11.

The emergency rule is in effect for 120 days. The proposed emergency rule exempts
use for forage and pastures.

Aug. 7, Gov. Hutchinson named his appointees for a dicamba task force. The task force held its initial meeting Aug. 17. No decisions were reached, but the
task force explored options including a late-spring cutoff for the application of
dicamba, added fines for misapplication, and in-person mandatory training for applicators.

Sept. 12, Pesticide Committee of the State Plant Board votes to accept the task force recommendation
to bar in-crop use of dicamba herbicides after April 15.

Sept. 20, a petition from growers opposing restrictions proposed by dicamba task force is
sent to the State Plant Board.

Sept. 21, Arkansas State Plant Board votes unanimously to back a ban on use of dicamba herbicides
from April 16-Oct. 31.The board also votes unanimously to deny a rulemaking petition
filed by Monsanto.

Oct. 19 - Arkansas State Plant Board votes to reject grower-led petition to be able to hear
it Nov. 8, schedules subcommittee meeting to evaluate data related to suggestions
in petition.

Dec. 12 - Arkansas Legislative Council’s Administrative Rules and Regulations Subcommittee
on Dec. 12 asked ASPB to consider three separate criteria in any revision of the proposed
rule. ASPB was asked to consider scientific-based evidence; a dividing line to create
north and south use zones across the Delta; ambient temperature and humidity applicable
to temperature inversion during night hours.

Jan. 19. Legislative Council supports recommendation. The State Plant Board will now file
the rule with the Secretary of State’s Office, and the rule will become effective
ten days after filing.http://bit.ly/2mWOSGq )

The Division of Agriculture does have a responsibility to attempt diagnose injury
where it occurs in crops or livestock. In the case of injury caused by off-target
herbicide or other application, our faculty cannot speculate on the source of the
injury.

There is no miracle cure. The most important point is not to add any more stress to
plants that are already stressed. The soybean plants’ ability to recover is related
to the growth stage at which it was affected, how many times it received injuries
and the severity of the injuries. It’s likely to be worse for soybeans with later
planting dates. Learn more: http://www.arkansas-crops.com/2017/07/07/herbicide-replanting-products/.